Manchester United defender joins Notts County on season-long loan to gain valuable first-team experience.
Manchester United’s youth development has taken centre stage again this summer, with several academy talents gaining valuable experience in England’s lower leagues.
Ruben Amorim’s first full pre-season with the Red Devils is well underway, and while most of the attention has been on first-team additions, movement behind the scenes has also gathered pace.
United’s rising stars are being mapped carefully for growth, and loans remain a strategic pathway to first-team readiness.
Following Dan Gore’s potential exit to Rotherham United and Alvaro Fernandez’s exit from the club last year, United have now sanctioned another departure, with a familiar name heading back into the EFL.
Notts County, via the club’s website, officially confirmed that centre-back Sonny Aljofree has completed a season-long loan to Notts County ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The 20-year-old defender, who captained Manchester United’s Under-18s and Under-23s sides, spent last season on loan at Accrington Stanley, where he made 27 appearances, scored three goals and claimed two Man of the Match awards.
He was also part of the United team that lifted the FA Youth Cup in 2022 and is widely regarded as one of the most promising defenders from the academy ranks.
Speaking on the club’s official site, Notts County’s Director of Football Roberto Gagliardi said: “Sonny has all the traits of a modern-day defender – balancing an aggressive playing style with the ability to distribute the ball from the back.
“He’s capable of playing anywhere across the defensive line, mainly being deployed in a back four for Manchester United but often on the right of a back three during his impressive loan at Accrington.
“Sonny’s maturity is reflected in the leadership roles he’s been given and the high esteem he’s held in by United.
Combined with the fact he’s the son of former Plymouth defender, Hasney Aljofree, he has a very strong footballing pedigree.
“We faced strong competition from a number of League One clubs to sign him and we look forward to supporting his continued development.”
Sonny Aljofree is also eligible to play for Singapore at international level.
As one of United’s most versatile young defenders, the upcoming season at Notts County will be crucial in determining whether he can follow in the footsteps of academy graduates who have made the leap into Amorim’s plans.
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